New Delhi, October 17: Indian Railways has reduced the advance reservation period of seats from existing 120 days to 60 days with effect from November 1, 2024.
The Railway Board issued a circular regarding this new rule today.
"It has been decided that w.e.f 01.11.2024, the existing time limit for advance reservation by trains will be reduced from 120 days to 60 days (excluding the date of journey)," the circular stated.
All bookings done up to October 31 under the ARP (Advance Reservation Period) of 120 days will remain intact, it added.
The circular did not cite any reason for the reduction in ARP.
According to the Board, cancellation of the booking made beyond the ARP of 60 days will, however, be permitted.
"There will be no change in the case of certain daytime express trains like Taj Express, Gomti Express, etc where lower time limits for advance reservation are, at present in force," the Board's circular said.
There will also be no change in the case of a limit of 365 days for foreign tourists, it said.
On March 25, 2015, the Ministry of Railways increased the ARP from 60 days to 120 days.
Railways officials stated that the reduction of the advance reservation period to 60 days will be a deterrent for touts who book bulk tickets in advance. The reduction of the booking period will help genuine travelers.
It has been found that passengers generally book their tickets two months in advance before the journey.
Currently, tatkal tickets are issued only on the production of self-attested photocopy of a valid identity proof. No agents are allowed to book Tatkal tickets from 10 am to 12 pm over the internet.
